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Introduction
Kamado grills remain a popular choice for backyard cooks who want versatile charcoal performance — from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing. This guide compares four kamado-style options so you can match size, material, and features to how you plan to cook. It covers two 18-inch ceramic models (one updated, one classic), a larger 24-inch ceramic, and a budget steel, portable alternative. Read on for side-by-side specs, pros and cons, a practical buyer’s guide, care tips, and final recommendations.
Quick comparison: how these kamado grills differ
- Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker (Kamado Joe) — Best overall: a full-featured 18-inch ceramic kamado that ships with a cart and side shelves and offers roughly 250 square inches of cooking area.
- Kamado Joe Big Joe II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill (Kamado Joe) — Best premium: a larger 24-inch ceramic kamado with Kamado Joe innovations (including the Air Lift Hinge) for expanded cooking capacity.
- Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker (Char-Griller) — Best budget: a lower-cost, portable kamado-style option built from triple-wall insulated steel with cast iron grates and about 155 square inches of cooking area.
- Kamado Joe Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker (Kamado Joe) — Best for beginners: the earlier Classic Joe 18-inch ceramic that includes a cart, side shelves, grill gripper, and ash tool for a straightforward entry to kamado grilling.
Product details and considerations
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker (Best overall)
What it is
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker by Kamado Joe is an 18-inch ceramic charcoal grill and smoker. The Classic Joe Series II model lists a rolling cart and side shelves, stainless steel grates, and an estimated cooking area of approximately 250 square inches.
Why it stands out
- Mid-size cooking area (~250 sq in) suitable for many households.
- Included cart and side shelves provide built-in prep and storage without separate furniture.
- Stainless steel grates are included.
Pros
- Well-rounded 18-inch ceramic option for versatile grilling and smoking.
- Comes with cart and side shelves for convenience.
- Stainless steel cooking grates.
Cons
- May be small for very large gatherings compared with 24-inch options.
- Ceramic models require careful handling during transport and in freeze-thaw conditions.
View the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II product page on Amazon to compare features and accessories: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01INNA89S?tag=aytxx-20
Kamado Joe Big Joe II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill (Best premium)
What it is
The Kamado Joe Big Joe II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill by Kamado Joe is a larger 24-inch ceramic charcoal grill designed for expanded cooking capacity. The product description lists the Air Lift Hinge among its features to help manage the heavier dome on large ceramic kamados.
Why it stands out
- Larger 24-inch cooking footprint for bigger meals and multi-rack setups.
- Features intended to improve usability on a larger ceramic platform.
- The Air Lift Hinge is designed to reduce the effort to open and close the dome.
Pros
- Expanded cooking capacity for larger meals and multi-rack cooking.
- Premium feature set aimed at frequent or large cooks.
Cons
- Larger ceramic units are heavier and less portable.
- Requires more storage space and may be more than many households need.
See details for the Kamado Joe Big Joe II 24-inch on Amazon to compare its larger capacity and premium features: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LDQF592?tag=aytxx-20
Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker (Best budget)
What it is
The Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a portable kamado-style charcoal grill and smoker built with triple-wall insulated steel construction, cast iron grates, and a listed cooking area of approximately 155 square inches.
Why it stands out
- Lower-cost, steel-built alternative to ceramic kamados that’s intended to be portable for tailgating and small-space grilling.
- Triple-wall insulation is intended to improve heat retention compared with single-wall steel designs.
- Cast iron grates come standard.
Pros
- Portable and budget-friendly kamado-style option.
- Triple-wall insulated steel construction offers better insulation than single-wall steel units.
- Cast iron grates are durable and suitable for grilling.
Cons
- Steel construction behaves differently than ceramic; thermal mass and heat-holding characteristics are not identical to ceramic kamados.
- Smaller cooking area (~155 sq in) limits capacity relative to larger ceramic models.
Check the Char‑Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado product page on Amazon if you want a budget, portable kamado-style option: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GTTMZ41?tag=aytxx-20
Kamado Joe Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker (Best for beginners)
What it is
The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker is an earlier Classic Joe 18-inch ceramic model that lists a cart and side shelves and ships with a grill gripper and ash tool in some configurations.
Why it stands out
- Straightforward 18-inch ceramic option that can arrive with common accessories helpful to first-time kamado owners.
- Includes a grill gripper and ash tool in some bundled offerings to simplify handling hot grates and ash removal.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly kit options with cart, side shelves, grill gripper, and ash tool when included.
- Ceramic construction provides traditional kamado cooking characteristics.
Cons
- Earlier model compared with the Series II and may lack some incremental updates found on newer versions; check feature lists for exact differences.
- Ceramic units need careful handling during transport.
View the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker product page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IIUO06Y?tag=aytxx-20
Side-by-side spec summary and what each model is best for
- Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker (Kamado Joe)
- Type: 18-inch ceramic charcoal grill and smoker
- Notable features: Classic Joe Series II model, cart and side shelves, stainless steel grates
- Cooking area: approximately 250 square inches
- Best for: cooks who want an all-around, mid-size ceramic kamado with built-in cart and prep space
- Kamado Joe Big Joe II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill (Kamado Joe)
- Type: 24-inch ceramic charcoal grill
- Notable features: Big Joe II, Air Lift Hinge, designed for large cooking capacity
- Best for: serious entertainers or those who often cook for large groups and want maximum ceramic capacity
- Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker (Char-Griller)
- Type: portable steel kamado-style charcoal grill and smoker
- Notable features: triple-wall insulated steel, cast iron grates
- Cooking area: ~155 square inches
- Best for: budget-focused buyers, tailgaters, or small-space cooks who prioritize portability
- Kamado Joe Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker (Kamado Joe)
- Type: 18-inch ceramic charcoal grill and smoker
- Notable features: includes cart and side shelves, grill gripper, ash tool (when bundled)
- Best for: beginners who want accessories and a straightforward setup included
Kamado grill buyer’s guide: what to consider
Size and cooking capacity
Match grill size to how many people you typically cook for. The 24-inch Kamado Joe Big Joe II is aimed at larger cooks, while the 18-inch Classic Joe Series II and Classic Joe I suit many families. The AKORN Jr. is generally best for small groups or portable use.
Material: ceramic vs. steel
Ceramic models (Classic Joe Series II, Classic Joe I, Big Joe II) use traditional kamado construction. The Char‑Griller AKORN Jr. uses triple-wall insulated steel as a budget-friendly alternative. Consider whether you value ceramic thermal mass and durability versus lighter and lower-cost steel construction.
Portability
If you need to transport your grill often (tailgating, camping), the Char‑Griller AKORN Jr. is designed to be portable. Ceramic kamados are heavier and less convenient to move once set up.
Accessories and included hardware
Classic Joe Series II and Classic Joe I configurations list carts and side shelves; some Classic Joe I bundles also include a grill gripper and ash tool. Decide what you want included versus what you’ll buy separately (racks, heat deflectors, covers).
Intended use and frequency
For frequent large cooks, the Big Joe II’s 24-inch capacity can be useful. For everyday backyard use, an 18-inch Classic Joe is a balanced choice. For occasional or mobile cooks, the AKORN Jr. matches portability and price sensitivity.
How to maintain a kamado (basic care tips)
- Clean grates regularly: brush or scrape grates after medium-heat burns to remove food residue. Follow care guidance for cast iron or stainless steel grates.
- Empty ash as needed: use ash tools to clear the firebox when cool to maintain airflow.
- Protect the exterior: use a grill cover and avoid bumping or dropping ceramic units. Steel units also benefit from covers to reduce weather exposure.
- Replace consumables over time: gaskets, vents, and certain accessories may need replacement; check the manufacturer’s parts and accessory options.
- Store weather-aware: keep the grill in a sheltered spot or under a cover, particularly in freezing or very wet climates where freeze-thaw cycles can affect ceramics.
Which one should you choose? Final recommendations by use case
- Best overall for balanced cooks: Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker — mid-size cooking area (~250 sq in), cart and side shelves, stainless steel grates. View it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01INNA89S?tag=aytxx-20
- Best premium for large-volume cooking and frequent entertainers: Kamado Joe Big Joe II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill — larger 24-inch capacity with premium usability features like the Air Lift Hinge. See details: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LDQF592?tag=aytxx-20
- Best budget and portable option: Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker — triple-wall insulated steel construction and ~155 sq in cooking area for tailgating and small-space grilling. Check it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GTTMZ41?tag=aytxx-20
- Best for beginners who want accessories included: Kamado Joe Classic Joe I Premium 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker — includes cart, side shelves, grill gripper, and ash tool in some bundles. View the product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IIUO06Y?tag=aytxx-20
Before you buy: confirm dimensions, included accessories, replacement-part availability, and shipping/return details on the product page to ensure the model fits your setup and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose between an 18-inch and a 24-inch kamado grill?
A: Choose based on how many people you regularly cook for and whether you need the extra capacity for multi-rack setups. The 24-inch is geared toward larger cooks; 18-inch models suit many households.
Q: Are steel kamado-style grills a good budget alternative to ceramic?
A: Steel triple-wall designs like the Char‑Griller AKORN Jr. offer a more affordable, portable alternative with insulation benefits, though construction and heat-holding behavior differ from ceramic units.
Q: Do any of these models include carts or accessories out of the box?
A: Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II and Classic Joe I configurations list carts and side shelves; some Classic Joe I bundles also include a grill gripper and ash tool. Always check the specific product listing for included items.
Q: Which model is best if I plan to entertain large groups often?
A: The Kamado Joe Big Joe II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill is designed for expanded cooking capacity and is the premium choice for larger or frequent entertaining.
Final Verdict
For most backyard cooks who want a balanced, full-featured kamado grill, the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a strong option thanks to its mid-size cooking area (~250 sq in), cart and side shelves, and stainless steel grates. If you routinely cook for large groups and want a larger ceramic footprint with premium features, consider the Kamado Joe Big Joe II 24-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill. If portability and budget are primary concerns, the Char‑Griller AKORN Jr. Portable Kamado Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a more affordable, transportable alternative. For beginners who want useful accessories included, look at Classic Joe I bundles that list a cart, side shelves, and tools.
View the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II product page on Amazon to compare features and accessories: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01INNA89S?tag=aytxx-20